(The last in a series. For Part 1: click here. For Part 2: click here. For Part 3: click here.)
“And when they led [Jesus] away, they laid hold of one Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus.” (Luke 23:26)
In frontier times traveling companies practiced sending out scouts ahead of the group to tread the path and plot the course for the entire party. They might scout the trail as much as two or three days’ journey ahead (Matthew 12:40) and then come back (Mark 16:6) bringing the proper directions for the others to follow.
Jesus has done the same thing for us. He’s gone ahead like a scout and made the way. He’s tread the path and plotted the course. You see, Jesus knows what it takes to get through the most horrifying and hopeless of situations imaginable. And He purposed long ago for Simon to come all the way from Cyrene to meet Him on Good Friday so that we might know it, too.
The secret to handling the tough times of life is this: Get behind Jesus and follow Him. (Read the the above verse again placing emphasis on the last two words.)
Get behind Jesus with whatever cross you’ve been forced to carry. (Yes, I’m speaking to you.) Place your complete focus on Christ (not the burden)! Observe the way He handled things. (Hebrews 12:2) And then do the same.
I’ve always been struck by the tale of Charles Spafford. He and his family were set to travel overseas. However, Spafford was detained at the last minute so his wife and two daughters went ahead without him. He followed later on the next possible ship. While at sea, the most terrible news met him. The vessel carrying his wife and daughters went down in rough seas. With such a grievous burden placed on his shoulders (Mark 15:21), Spafford penned these famous words…
When sorrows like sea billows roll.
Whatever my lot, God has taught me to say:
“It is well, It is well with my soul.”
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)
“I can do all things through [Christ] who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
(Picture above in the public domain: click here.)
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Excellent points. I sometimes get more enamored with my burden than my Burden Bearer. I appreciate any word that calls us to focus on Jesus. Thank you!